20 natural anti-inflammatories to treat joint pain

Medicinal herbs and plants are a natural alternative to medicines that work against edema and swelling. Without contraindications, they are not harmful to the stomach and can be taken for long periods of time.

Bumps, allergies or arthritis can cause a protective reaction in our body when something in our body is damaged and does not work properly. Our leukocytes attack harmful agents to eliminate them and cause edema, joint pain and limitation of the affected area, even becoming chronic as in asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.

The 20 best natural anti-inflammatories

Many foods and spices have capacities to intervene on the causes that cause inflammation of the tissues. They are the so-called natural anti-inflammatories .

Devil’s claw (harpagophyte)

The Harpagophytum procubens or rampion is a small shrub that grows naturally only in dry climates. Its deep roots are those that contain anti-inflammatory properties .

It is especially indicated for people with joint or cartilage wear , as well as for inflammation of the synovial capsule, for tendinitis, bruises, rheumatoid arthritis, joint degeneration, lumbago, sciatica, back pain and osteoarthritis .

It depends on the discomfort to be treated, it can be used orally in capsules or drops, with a more powerful action to promote internal processes, or by topical use in a specific place as a cream to relieve local inflammation.

Black currant

The shoots of this plant tone the adrenal glands by increasing cortisol levels in the blood , which provides a very interesting and increasingly popular natural alternative.

Its leaves are very useful to combat rheumatism and contain flavonoids that stimulate the natural secretion of substances responsible for reducing swelling .

It is consumed as an infusion

Ginger

This root is widely used in India and China since ancient times for medicinal purposes.

It has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects . It produces great relief in muscular and premenstrual pain. It works very well for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and against toothache . It is the best known remedy for treating stomach ailments, including dizziness, gas, and diarrhea.

It is consumed in infusion or by means of hot compresses in the affected area.

Rosemary

Aromatic and medicinal herb, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine for its characteristic flavor, it is ideal for relieving joint pain , especially in older people.

This plant contains ursolic acid, very effective for these types of conditions, which makes it one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories .

It can be used as an infusion, by rubbing or as an aromatic herb that adds flavor to meals.

Turmeric

It is the root of ginger , dark brown on the outside and deep orange on the inside. It has been used since ancient times to reduce inflammation and to treat digestive problems , with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. Very effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

It is consumed as an infusion or sprinkling a little on meals.

Spiraea

It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, responsible for pain and inflammation of the tissues and hence its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties .

It is used for inflammation with fever and colds. Very useful also for arthritis, joint and tooth pain .

It can be taken in capsules or as an infusion.

Horse tail

Very popular herb as an excellent anti-inflammatory . Reduces fluid accumulation and helps you lose weight .

It has healing, antioxidant, antibacterial properties and is very effective against osteoporosis , bronchitis, tonsillitis and gingivitis. It is one of the most used in the world.

It is consumed as an infusion.

Linen

A more unknown plant that can be taken directly in a spoon. Its high content of omega 3 gives it its anti-inflammatory power, specifically to treat joint pain .

Willow

Its leaves contain salicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory similar to that included in aspirin and is indicated for joint and rheumatic pain. It has analagesic, antipyretic and antineuralgic properties , which is why it is recommended against feverish states, fibromyalgia , sciatica, rheumatic pain, ear pain and menstruation.

It is taken in infusions or by putting compresses on the affected area.

Cardamom

Spice with anti-inflammatory properties . Very useful for bronchitis, joint pain, toothache and swelling caused by hemorrhoids .

Its seeds are used to prepare meals and desserts, it is one of the most expensive spices on the market and one of the components of curry. It is also prepared in infusions.

Cat’s claw

Plant of Peruvian origin is used to fight all kinds of infections . In the root and bark are its active principles alkaloids, oxindoles, glycosides, polyphenols and steroids , which give it its analgesic, antioxidant and antiviral action, among others.

Of great help for the season of colds and flu , as well as for chronic diseases.

It is used for desserts or in infusion.

Serrapeptase

It is a proteolytic enzyme that is formed from bacteria in the digestive system of silkworms.

It is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, ideal for reducing inflammation and pain after surgery or trauma. Dissolves non-living tissues, blood clots, and cysts.

Its administration is in the form of capsules.

Ice

The most widespread and used for its excellent results.

To stop inflammation we will apply an ice pack to the affected area for a maximum of 15 minutes every two hours.

Aloe vera

The aloe vera (aloe) plant has many beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic .

To reduce inflammation, it is recommended to massage the pulp, once 48 hours have passed after the injury. It also helps to heal the wound.

Garlic

In addition to being a common food in Spanish cuisine, it has a powerful anti-inflammatory power. We can use it to treat diseases such as otitis, bronchitis, cystitis or sinusitis among others. For the joints, it is highly indicated for its reducing effect on the fluid that accumulates in the joints , which relieves the sensation of pain.

It can be consumed raw or cooked and mixed with ginger it relieves joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar

Because the malic acid in the vinegar is able to dissolve the uric acid crystals in the joint. It is a great ally against inflammation and a good remedy against arthritis since it fights the systemic acidity that these degenerative diseases produce. Very useful for sports injuries.

Basic product in the home. Widely used in cooking or as a dressing and effective in treating swelling.

Vinegar baths with lukewarm water are beneficial in treating prostate inflammation.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a food that is a good natural remedy to relieve inflammation and pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Applying green cabbage compresses on the affected area, or the warm leaves stretched on the inflamed part for 30 minutes relieves pain and inflammation. To intensify its effect, it should be covered with a laminated paper or cloth.

It works against mastitis , kidney pain, side pain, muscle pain and arthritis.

Linden

The benefits of linden flower and its properties are numerous. Among them, it is recommended to treat joint pain due to the relaxing effect it produces in our body, especially in moments of maximum nervousness, anxiety or stress . The quercetin it contains is a powerful pain reliever for arthritis.

It is consumed as an infusion.

The cinnamon

In ancient cultures it is considered a miraculous food for its many benefits.

Highly recommended to soothe pain such as rheumatoid arthritis or contractures due to poor posture due to its anti-inflammatory power. Relieves cough, congestion and cold. It should be used sparingly as it contains compounds similar to anticoagulants.

A curious benefit is that it is a soothing to the tongue when we burn it when eating a hot meal. Just suck on a cinnamon stick and we will notice relief.

Laurel

Leaves laurel used to flavor foods relieve joint pain and inflammation in arthritis or trauma . It is antirheumatic and considered a very effective reliever for sciatica.

In sprained ankles, sprains, and localized inflammations, rubbing with the essential oil of laurel greatly relieves the area.

Pineapple

A fruit that, in addition to being rich in vitamins, is an excellent dessert and a fundamental part of some diets. It has great anti-inflammatory properties thanks to an enzyme called bromelain .

Combined with turmeric a much more intense effect is achieved.

Pineapple is anti-arthritic and is recommended for muscle and joint swelling.

Feeding

Eating foods rich in fatty acids, such as omega 3 or vitamin C help fight inflammation, and stopping eating products with excess sugar reduces it.

The raw food , drinking water, herbal tea, fruit juices and foods with flavonoids such as spinach, blueberries, strawberries and onions reduce tissue inflammation.

The essential oils of Nutmeg, Peppermint, Eucalyptus , Corymbia citriodora and Gaultheria , among others, used diluted in vegetable oils are also a great relief for inflammation.

Avoiding being overweight reduces the risk of inflammation since the hormones responsible for inflammation and the immune system can be decompensated with body fat. Natural alternatives and different home remedies will help us treat inflammation, but also with a change in habits we can prevent it.